15 days in Northern Cape Itinerary

As the heart of the Northern Cape's "Diamond Fields"--the region where the glittering jewels were discovered in the 1870s--Kimberley has evolved from a simple mining encampment to a thriving city rich in history and heritage.

Escape the urban bustle at Felidae Centre and Rooipoort Nature Reserve. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to William Humphreys Art Gallery and Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre. The adventure continues: take in the history at Magersfontein Battlefield, get engrossed in the history at The Big Hole Kimberley, try to win big at Flamingo Casino, and examine the collection at Kimberley Mine Museum.

For ratings, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, use the Kimberley vacation planner.

Johannesburg to Kimberley is an approximately 4-hour flight. You can also drive. Expect slightly colder evenings in Kimberley when traveling from Johannesburg in September, with lows around 7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) early enough to travel to Tankwa Karoo National Park.

Here are some ideas for day two: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Tankwa Karoo National Park.

To see other places to visit, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Tankwa Karoo National Park trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Kimberley to Tankwa Karoo National Park. On the 5th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Calvinia.

Calvinia is a regional town in the Northern Cape province of South Africa named after the French religious reformer Jean Calvin. Escape the urban bustle at Vanrhyns Pass and Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve. Discover out-of-the-way places like Calvinia Museum and Glacial Pavement. Change things up with these side-trips from Calvinia: Nieuwoudtville (Hantam National Botanical Garden & Protea Motors).

For photos, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Calvinia itinerary builder.

You can drive from Tankwa Karoo National Park to Calvinia in 2.5 hours. In October, daytime highs in Calvinia are 29°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Sun) to allow time for travel to Springbok.

Springbok is the largest town in the Namaqualand area in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. Visiting Bushwhacked Outdoor adventures and Goegap Nature Reserve will get you outdoors. Spend the 10th (Tue) exploring nature at Namaqua National Park.

For more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Springbok vacation builder.

Traveling by car from Calvinia to Springbok takes 4 hours. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Calvinia in October since evenings lows in Springbok dip to 14°C. You will leave for Upington on the 12th (Thu).

Upington is a town founded in 1884 and located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, on the banks of the Orange River. Start off your visit on the 13th (Fri): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities. On your second day here, savor the flavors at Orange River Wine Cellars, then do a tasting at Bezalel Wine & Brandy Estate, then stroll through Tierberg Nature Reserve, and finally soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Upington trip generator.

You can drive from Springbok to Upington in 4 hours. While traveling from Springbok, expect a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Upington, ranging from highs of 37°C to lows of 14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.